Santa Monica Police Seek Public Assistance in “Suspicious Death” Investigation

Date:

Update: The Santa Monica Daily Press has identified the person found dead Sunday morning as recent Santa Monica High School graduate (’16) and life-long resident of the beachside city Juan Sebastian Castillo. The Santa Monica Police confirmed Monday that Castillo’s death is being investigated as a homicide. A GoFundMe page has been set up for Castillo.

The following is the statement released by Santa Monica police on Sunday, February 26, about the ongoing investigation.

The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) is seeking the public’s assistance with any witnesses to a suspicious death investigation.

On February 26, 2017 at about 5:08 a.m. SMPD responded to the 1300 block of 16th Street regarding an unconscious victim lying on the ground with a head injury. Santa Monica Fire Department Paramedics were notified and responded. Upon arrival, the victim was pronounced deceased by paramedics. SMPD Detectives were notified and responded to the scene for an investigation.

Detectives are investigating a possible link to this investigation with an earlier radio call for service. Earlier this morning at about 12:45 a.m., SMPD responded to the 2100 block of Pico Blvd regarding a possible shooting. Officers discovered evidence of a shooting in the immediate area; however, no victims or suspects were located. At this time, it is unknown if the two incidents are related.

The investigation is ongoing and detectives are interested in speaking with anyone who was in the area. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective D. Larios (310) 458-8937; Detective B. Cooper (310) 458-8478 or the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8491.

Share post:

More like this
Related

State Releases CAPTI 2.0, a Document to Align the State’s Climate Goals and Transpo. Spending

Last week, the State of California dropped at least...

OPA Update 3/6/25: Details on OPA Meeting Monday, Urgent Action Needed for Library Funding, Spring Forward into Daylight Saving Sunday, & Other Things To...

OPA March 10 Monthly Meeting Monday: This month's meeting will be at the 2601 Main St. Library starting with...

Kool Happenings: Remember when DEI was a Latin name for God?

"When I use a word," Humpty Dumpty said, in...

New Report Quantifies Five Years of Caltrans Freeway Expansion, including Demolitions

In 2023, the state legislature approved Senator Lena Gonzalez' S.B....